Rent Walker (1987)

Weird, Pacy and Bold - Walker review by griggs

Walker is a mad, fascinating ride — part biopic, part political piss-take, and unlike like anything else of its time. Alex Cox takes the true story of William Walker, an American who rocked up in 1850s Nicaragua and decided to make himself president and turns it into a wild dig at US meddling during the Contra War. It starts playing it straight, then the modern touches sneak in — Zippos, machine guns, Coke bottles — until the whole thing turns into bonkers, brilliant chaos. It’s loud, proudly political, and properly strange.

 Cox directs with swagger, making great use of Nicaragua’s dusty, sun-scorched backdrops. Rudy Wurlitzer’s script has bite and even manages to land a few laughs. Ed Harris is all intensity as Walker — half madman, half true believer. Sure, it’s weird and rough around the edges, but it’s pacy, bold, and never overstays its welcome.